Agent Running in the Field

Le Carré portrays Ed as a contradictory character whose true nature remains concealed until the novel’s climactic revelation. He characterizes Ed as a methodical researcher, a passionate badminton player, a politically passionate individual, and an apparent idealist who engages in calculated betrayal—pointing to the novel’s thematic interest in Political Idealism Versus Pragmatic Reality.

Ed’s background establishes key elements of his character. He was born to a Methodist family in Northern Ireland, son of a former communist who left the party after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and developed into what the narrative describes as a prickly personality obsessed with international affairs. Ed’s position as a category A clerical officer with top-secret clearance places him in a perfect position to access sensitive information, while his carefully cultivated friendship with Nat demonstrates his ability to manipulate personal relationships for operational purposes.

At a deeper level, Ed functions as both an antagonist and a foil to Nat. While both men oppose Brexit and harbor concerns about Western democracy, their responses diverge dramatically. Whereas Nat’s years of experience lead him to work within imperfect systems, Ed’s idealism drives him to take radical action by trying to sell state secrets to foreign powers. This contrast highlights the generational divide in their approaches to political disillusionment. Ed’s character also serves to expose the vulnerabilities in modern intelligence operations—his betrayal stems not from financial motivation or ideological commitment to Russia but from a profound disappointment in Western democratic institutions, particularly regarding Brexit and the Trump administration.

Prue is a unique figure in Agent Running in the Field, functioning as both a supportive spouse and a moral compass for the novel independent of Nat. Her characterization as a successful lawyer who chose to remain in London rather than continue following Nat on foreign postings establishes her as a person who successfully manages to balance personal loyalty with professional autonomy. This dynamic is particularly significant given the novel’s exploration of institutional versus personal commitments.

Throughout the narrative, Prue demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of both legal and intelligence matters, making her an effective partner to Nat while maintaining her separate identity. Her early role in their relationship—handling Nat’s family estate dispute before their marriage—establishes her as someone capable of navigating complex situations with both professional skill and personal investment. However, after Steff’s birth, Prue decided to resume her legal career in London rather than continuing as a traditional spy’s wife abroad, demonstrating her ability to set boundaries to maintain both her marriage and her independence.

Prue’s character serves as a stabilizing force in the narrative, particularly during moments of crisis. Her practical approach to difficult situations manifests in her support of Nat’s career decisions while maintaining enough distance to offer an objective perspective. This becomes especially significant in the novel’s conclusion, when she partners with Nat to help Ed and Florence escape, demonstrating how her legal background and moral judgment complement Nat’s intelligence experience. Her character ultimately represents a successful integration of personal loyalty and professional ethics, providing a contrast to the more extreme choices made by other characters in the novel.